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posted: April 6, 2025
tl;dr: Florida man writes fictional story about Florida Men and a Florida Woman...
Dave Barry and I are both originally from upstate New York, defined broadly as anything in New York State north of Yonkers. We both went to what most would consider to be elite “private” colleges, although that term has lost most of its meaning, given the degree to which the federal government provides essential financial support to universities these days. We both ultimately moved to warmer, sunnier climates, although Barry chose the beach haven of Florida and I reside in Arizona in the Intermountain West. And we both have an appreciation for humor and satire as a way to convey observations about human society.
So I was primed to enjoy Swamp Story, which I consumed via audiobook read by Barry himself. I always appreciate it when the original author reads the book for the audio version, although it does require that the author has a pleasant voice. Paul Krugman narrating one of his books in his nasally, whiny voice would drive me nuts. Dave Barry does a fine job reading his book, and sounds a lot younger than his actual chronological age. Is he really 78? Time flies…
Unfortunately I do not rate Swamp Story as highly as Barry’s traditional oeuvre, in which he satirizes actual events, whether the exploits of deranged individuals or government officials and their policies. I used to consume Barry via his syndicated newspaper column, and his “year in review” column was always a hilariously satirical take on the exploits and inanities of politicians, celebrities, and ordinary people. Barry sees the humor in just about everything, and would exaggerate real events only slightly to point out the folly of others. Some people dismiss satirists such as Dave Barry and Mark Twain but I hold them in high regard. It’s not easy being funny and insightful at the same time.
Swamp Story is a decent beach book or airplane read: something light-hearted meant primarily to entertain. It is populated by multiple “Florida men”, playing upon the stereotype that Florida is home to more than a few people who do crazy, stupid things such as wrestle alligators. This may be nothing more than a myth, but Barry embraces it; he clearly loves his adopted home state, perhaps because it supplies him with plenty of material.
One of the main characters is a Florida woman trapped in a bad situation due to some awful choices of her own making. This character is Swamp Story’s best, and Barry does provide some insights on the unique challenges faced by beautiful women. The other characters are pretty stereotypical, and at one point Barry orchestrates them into an “only in Florida” scene in which they all come together, resulting in mayhem.
There is one major plot flaw in Swamp Story: after two of the main characters come into possession of the treasure being sought throughout the story, they do not immediately get as far away as possible. Instead, they hang around in a location known to others, who of course hunt them down. Had they left, Swamp Story would have had too tidy an ending, so this mistake by the characters serves Barry’s purpose as an author.
Swamp Story is an entertaining diversion. I found a copy of it in the “light reading” section of the downtown Seattle Public Library. I wouldn’t rank it among Barry's best works, but it may appeal to those seeking amusement.